Operating Temperature Gauge Needle always low

TD4Jay · Sep 2, 2016

Hey,

I've just got my freelander, and have been surprised at how low the needle always stays?
Having a quick search of the forum it seems a common fault is the thermostat seems to stick open?

But thought i'd confirm if mine is low or if they're all like this?

My needle never moves over the 1/4 position, in traffic it'll rise to just under half way but then soon as I drive again it'll drop.

I've attached a photo of my temp gauge after an hour or so driving.

Should I get it replaced / do the inline thermostat trick?

Cheers Jay

Skinny Mike · Sep 2, 2016

Check your oil level isn't to high first. Easy mistake and will stop the engine getting up to temperature.
Replacing the thermostat requires removing the water pump. Replace both if your going to do it.
Or do what @Nodge68 did, and stick an inline stat on. Alot easier.
Mike

TD4Jay · Sep 2, 2016

Skinny Mike said:
Check your oil level isn't to high first. Easy mistake and will stop the engine getting up to temperature.
Replacing the thermostat requires removing the water pump. Replace both if your going to do it.
Or do what @Nodge68 did, and stick an inline stat on. Alot easier.
Mike

Thanks for the quick reply.
That's interesting about the oil level. I had noticed mine as slightly over filled. It had a service just before I bought it, and first thing I checked and noticed the oil level was about 3mm above the 'high' mark.

I've ordered everything to do a full service including oil flush this weekend.

Skinny Mike · Sep 2, 2016

TD4Jay said:
Thanks for the quick reply.
That's interesting about the oil level. I had noticed mine as slightly over filled. It had a service just before I bought it, and first thing I checked and noticed the oil level was about 3mm above the 'high' mark.

I've ordered everything to do a full service including oil flush this weekend.

My mate got a bit giddy with the oil once and overfilled it.
Baffled me for a while til i checked it. Temp gauge would not raise over a quarter.

DO NOT use a flushing agent on a diesel engine. Do 2 oil changes in quick succession. Flushing a diesel can cause some major issues, Google it, you'll be surprised.
Mike

TD4Jay · Sep 2, 2016

That sounds like my issue, it's definitely over filled more so than i'd comfortably fill it up to.

Won't be using a flushing agent. Only get the oil up to a warm temperature and letting it drain for a few hours.
Does over filling cause any other damage? Engine seems to run spot on. Little sluggish but changing the maf and boost valve etc to renew everything thats common failiures.

Skinny Mike · Sep 2, 2016

No, it'll be ok. Some garages just seem to like filling to the top of the plastic bit rather than looking for the markers.
Have fun
Mike

lenny1234 · Sep 2, 2016

I'd bet on it being the dreaded thermostat. A bitch of a job to replace.

Cost me hundreds. But fixed it

Nodge68 · Sep 2, 2016

I managed to over fill my oil last change too

I did the in line thermostat mod.

TD4Jay · Sep 2, 2016

Are there any side effects of the inline mod?

It's safe and doesn't restrict flow at all? Guessing the OEM thermostat isn't an easy drive way job then?

Nodge68 · Sep 2, 2016

TD4Jay said:
Are there any side effects of the inline mod?

It's safe and doesn't restrict flow at all? Guessing the OEM thermostat isn't an easy drive way job then?

The only side effect that I've come across is, I think there is some air trapped above the thermostat.
Otherwise this a worthwhile mod. The engine is more efficient and less sluggish.
The factory thermostat is doable at home on the drive. However mine lasted just 2 years before failing again. So I went with the cheapest and faster option this time.

wammers · Sep 2, 2016

Engine oil being slightly high will not cause the engine to run cool that is a total load of nonsense.

Nodge68 · Sep 2, 2016

wammers said:
Engine oil being slightly high will not cause the engine to run cool that is a total load of nonsense.

Reasoned argument, logically explained. Not.

Ignore anything this troll says.

He has proved he knows absolutely nothing about the TD4 engine. I suspect he knows little of anything that happened after 1972.

wammers · Sep 2, 2016

Nodge68 said:
Reasoned argument, logically explained. Not.
Ignore anything this troll says.

He has proved he knows absolutely nothing about the TD4 engine. I suspect he knows little of anything that happened after 1972.

You really are a an idiot, slightly over full sump CANNOT cause the engine to run cool. There is no need for a logical explanation it is just not possible. Either listen and learn or remain ignorant.

Nodge68 · Sep 2, 2016

wammers said:
You really are a an idiot, slightly over full sump CANNOT cause the engine to run cool. There is no need for a logical explanation it is just not possible. Either listen and learn or remain ignorant.

You need to read properly. I never actually said that overfilled oil would cool the engine. I am sceptical about it myself.
I did say you are a troll, which you are and you know nothing about a TD4, or anything else after 1972. Which you don't.
Now butt out.

wammers · Sep 2, 2016

Nodge68 said:
You need to read properly. I never actually said that overfilled oil would cool the engine. I am sceptical about it myself.
I did say you are a troll, which you are and you know nothing about a TD4, or anything else after 1972. Which you don't.
Now butt out.

I never said you did, i was not answering you, i was i just making a statement of absolute fact. The insult was not required when you answered that. If you are only sceptical about it, that does go to prove you have the mechanical knowledge of a dyslexic glow worm.

Nodge68 · Sep 2, 2016

wammers said:
I never said you did, i was not answering you, i was i just making a statement of absolute fact. The insult was not required when you answered that. If you are only sceptical about it, that does go to prove you have the mechanical knowledge of a dyslexic glow worm.

So now you are making fun of people with dyslexia.
You really are the lowest of the low.

Nodge68 · Sep 2, 2016

As for your knowledge on modern diesel fueling. You have little but are to small to admit you are wrong.
Read this. Or are BMW wrong too.

teddywood1 · Sep 2, 2016

now now lads but I must add my penny worth I do believe grossly over filling can cause damage like blowing seals, as the oil is under pressure from the oil pump many years ago I striped an engine down that had way over too much oil put into it and a lot of the seals had been blown out as well as the dip stick and oil all over the top of the engine.

wammers · Sep 2, 2016

teddywood1 said:
now now lads but I must add my penny worth I do believe grossly over filling can cause damage like blowing seals, as the oil is under pressure from the oil pump many years ago I striped an engine down that had way over too much oil put into it and a lot of the seals had been blown out as well as the dip stick and oil all over the top of the engine.

Of course it can if grossly overfilled, but a slight overfill to cause the engine to run cool no.

wammers · Sep 2, 2016

Nodge68 said:
As for your knowledge on modern diesel fueling. You have little but are to small to admit you are wrong.
Read this. Or are BMW wrong too.
View attachment 106623

Your interpretation of what is said is wrong, that is the problem. Fuelling is NOT controlled by airflow through the MAF sensor. You don't have a clue what you are on about. Diesels are throttled by fuel NOT by air.

Operating Temperature Gauge Needle always low

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